The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has many initiatives underway to improve the quality of life for its customers. Three of the agency’s programs were highlighted by Monique Earl, senior assistant general manager and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer LADWP, during an interview with the L.A. Sentinel.
LAS: What messages would LADWP like to get out to the community?
ME: Environmental justice is a major consideration at LADWP as we begin taking concrete steps toward a 100% carbon-free power supply, based on the findings of the groundbreaking [report], Los Angeles 100% Renewable Energy Study (LA100).
While the study found that it is technically feasible to provide 100% carbon-free energy by 2035, more work is needed to achieve that target in a manner that is just and equitable. Toward this end, we are preparing to launch LA100 Equity Strategies, an outgrowth of the LA100 study, to identify and prioritize community-driven equity outcomes in this clean energy transition — particularly for those in equity-deserving communities.
In addition, LADWP has a strong history of water conservation. In fact, Angelenos use less water today than they did more than 50 years ago, despite a population increase of over one million people.
LADWP provides many programs and incentives to promote water conservation to our customers including our $3 per square foot turf replacement program and a $400 rebate on efficient clothes washers. We also offer programs and incentives that help our customers manage their electric costs.
Customers can visit ladwp.com/save for information. We even have an online marketplace where you can compare prices on eligible appliances, light bulbs and other eligible accessories, make the purchase and apply for the rebate, all in one place. That’s at marketplace.ladwp.com.
Lastly, to reduce emissions within our service area and achieve our clean energy goals while keeping rates affordable, we also offer a variety of rebates for residential and commercial EV (electric vehicle) charging stations, and for used EVs to encourage Angelenos to make the switch to EVs. Most recently, we began offering a special discount rate to expand publicly access EV charging infrastructure, especially in disadvantage communities. More info can be found atladwp.com/EV.
